I tried to answer a similar question asking myself. My Ionic is broken and despite it still somehow works I don't think it will last too long. One thing I know - I don't want Fitbit anymore. I was considering Garmin devices but it wasn't so simple. You have to answer a few questions.
- Do I need smartwatch or fitness tracker
- What level of accuracy do I need?
- What level of durability do I need?
- Do I need wrist HR?
- Do I need open or closed ecosystem ( easy integration with other sensors, gym equipment etc. )
- Should it have GPS?
- Battery life
- Display quality
- Software ( mobile and web apps ), level of sophistication, sync with external apps etc.
- Price
- Design
This is how I made up my mind ( in my case I picked one of the Suunto trackers ). I didn't get Garmin however it was one of the options. After lots of research, I went with Suunto Spartan with wrist HR. I do lots of climbing and durability is very important to me. Then, accuracy in terms of tracking HR is also important. Wrist HR in Suunto sucks same as in Ionic but I can use chest strap with the tracker. With Ionic, I never bothered to use any apps so this told me I never needed smartwatch ( and if I need I'm gonna go for Apple or Samsung, not for the smart-watch-wannabe brand ). I can pair my tracker with my cycling computer, my Polar chest strap - that's awesome. Moreover, the last thing I listed - the ecosystem. I'm not limited to the Suunto hardware. It works with anything ( so didn't have to buy Suunto chest strap if I already own Polar, money saved ). One thing Suunto lacks is display quality. Believe me - Ionic is really nice when it comes to its display. Just display doesn't play much of a role during a workout. GPS is a must. With Suunto I have also optional GLONASS ( nice addition when I run or cycle in areas with tall buildings etc. ). Software lacks a bit, there is no so much detail about sleep tracking, no food tracking etc. but a lot more data about workouts ( like estimated VO2 levels, EPOC, power, zones, zone targets and many more ). The design - I don't really care about look however Ionic looks nice. Sunnto is bulky ( mostly due to heavy duty design ). Price - yup, this time I spent more on the new tracker. So far I'm happy. I like features like on-watch navigation, very detailed workout summary, working with external sensors, long battery life, power-saving mode and many more features.
I was considering Garmin, Samsung and Polar devices too. Suunto ticked most of the boxes for me. Garmin came quite close, too. Samsung not really. When I need smartwatch then I'm going to consider Samsung ( or Apple, but I don't own iPhone so this "battle" may be already won by Samsung ).
But it might be that in a few months I'm gonna be busting balls of Suunto same as I do with Fitbit and my next jump may be towards Gamin 😄 Who knows... I may look like I'm here only to kick Fitbit balls but it's only because I'm a disappointed customer. In my eyes, any company will become my punching bag if after spending hard earned money on the product I will find out I bought expensive garbage. So Suunto... better don't disappoint me... 😆 That's why I can't really give any recommendation. Opinions may shift.
Bottom line is that nobody will tell you whether Ionic or Garmin is better. Remember, there are not only those two brands in the world of fitness trackers. We have lots to choose from and we should pick what fits our individual preferences. Take your time analysing. These "toys" are not cheap 😉 Look at the products but also read about the manufacturer. Mind that all of them have actually bad rep and this is because usually, you are going to hear complaints only. People who are happy don't brag about it 😄 But it's important what those complaints are about and why. Analyse, analyse, analyse and then buy.
